Widewater, Virginia · On Aquia Creek
A waterfront retreat for up to 14, with an indoor pool
Seven private bedrooms, a heated indoor pool and a private waterfront on Aquia Creek, about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C. Our family's home, now shared with yours.
- 14 guests
- 7 private bedrooms
- 4.5 baths
- Indoor heated pool
- Elevator to the kitchen
- Multiple acres on the creek
Welcome
Before it was a retreat, it was home
Richard's Retreat is the house where Richard and Shirley raised their family. Their daughters, Yvonne and Yvette, restored it so families and friends could gather here the way theirs always has.
The whole house is yours for your stay: the pool and sauna, the kitchen and sunroom, the game room, the lawn and the pier. Airbnb (opens in a new tab) names it a Guest favorite and an Airbnb Luxe home, and every one of its 23 reviews is five stars.
Read our story
The pool house
Swim in any season in your own pool house
The heated indoor pool and hot tub sit under a light-filled, timber-framed roof, so a January weekend still feels like summer. There's a cedar sauna with its own shower and changing room, and a balcony above the water.
- Heated pool with a slide, and a hot tub, open all year
- Private cedar sauna
- Pool shower and changing room
“Hoping this is a vacation we can do yearly because WOW! That pool and hot tub room is something I've never seen before. We didn't wanna leave!”
Seven bedrooms
A real bed and a door that closes, for everyone
Two kings, four queens and a double, each with Egyptian cotton linens, four pillows and a robe. The primary suite has a fireplace, a walk-in closet, a balcony and a spa bath with a soaking tub.
- No bunk rooms, no sofa beds
- Robes and luggage racks in every room
- Crib, toys and books for little ones
“While $ to rent may seem a bit high to some, it was well worth it for us all to have our own private bedroom spaces (no dreaded shared bunk rooms here!).”
Room to gather
One big table, and space to spread out
Cook together in a kitchen with a Viking cooktop, double wall ovens and a wine chiller, then sit 14 around the table or in the sunroom over the water. Downstairs, the game room has billiards, a fireplace and a bar with its own wine chiller.
- Seating for 14
- Sunroom with water views
- Billiards and bar in the game room
“It was not only immaculately clean, but even the towels under the sink were meticulously arranged. … The bedrooms were all thoughtfully arranged so each was close to a bathroom yet still private.”
On the water
Room to roam on Aquia Creek
Paddle out from the covered private pier, fish from the shore, then gather around the waterfront fire pit as the sun goes down over the creek. Kayaks, paddleboards and life vests come with every stay.
- Covered pier with slips for your own boat
- Kayaks and paddleboards
- Waterfront fire pit and lawn
“We loved the kayaks and SUP boards and relaxing around the fire pit! Don't forget your fishing pole like we did, they were jumping everywhere!!”
Plan your group
Who's coming?
Pick your occasion to see how the house works for your group.
Family reunion
A reunion with room for three generations
Up to 14 guests in seven private bedrooms: two kings, four queens and a double. No bunk rooms and no one on the sofa.
- The elevator carries grandparents and groceries from the garage to the kitchen level.
- The indoor pool and hot tub keep every age busy, rain or shine.
- A table for 14, a Viking cooktop and double ovens, or book a private chef for one night.
Widewater State Park is about two minutes away for an easy morning walk.
“This was a lovely vacation stay for our family of 14. The grandkids really loved the nice large pool and the adults did as well. There was plenty of space for all to spread out. The elevator was a huge asset.”
Wedding weekend
Lodging for the wedding party, about 12 minutes from Potomac Point Winery
Fourteen guests can stay together the night before and the night after. Please note the house is for staying, not hosting: parties and events aren't allowed on site.
- Potomac Point Winery, a wedding venue, is about 12 minutes away by car.
- Local partners for flowers, a limousine and photography, booked directly with each.
- A quiet evening by the waterfront fire pit before the big day.
Achara Florist, Belman Limousine and HD BROS are on our partner list.
“The property is just gorgeous, there's ample bedrooms for everyone and the pool is a HUGE hit! Winery nearby proved to be a winner too!”
Friends' getaway
A weekend away that feels far from everything
Each couple or friend gets a real bedroom. A group of 12 stayed for a relaxing bachelorette weekend.
- Pool days in the pool house, then the hot tub and sauna.
- Kayaks and paddleboards from the private pier, with life vests provided.
- Sunsets over Aquia Creek from the patio.
Book a sunset boat tour from the dock with Sunset Cruises of Stafford.
“The perfect house for our relaxing bachelorette party where we spent the day hanging by the pool and the fire pit. The views of the water were breathtaking. Everything in the house was set up to accommodate our party of 12 and Yvonne was so helpful and responsive.”
Winter escape
Swim indoors in January, about 40 miles from D.C.
A warm house with a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna and fireplaces. Close enough for a long weekend without a long drive.
- The heated pool and hot tub work all year under the pool house roof.
- Fireplaces in the living room and the primary suite.
- Starlink Wi-Fi and a quiet office if someone needs to log in.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is about 25 minutes away.
“Very upscale house (design, furnishings, amenities) and stocked with anything you could need, from upscale linens and bath amenities to a fully stocked kitchen with high quality appliances and cookware and even board games for kids and adults.”
Guest reviews
Five stars from every Airbnb guest so far
“Fisherman's paradise right out your back door! Lots of privacy! Great for large families! … Inside elevator was extremely handy for getting elder family member to first level and the groceries up to kitchen for the 13 of us.”
“The property was spacious enough for three families to spend plenty of time together while also having enough room for quiet time for younger members of our family. … I would highly recommend this property to larger groups looking for alternatives to get away from crowded beaches.”
“Also the sunsets from the backyard are amazing. Genuinely the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen.”
Good to know
Questions guests ask
Where is Richard's Retreat?
In Widewater, Stafford County, Virginia, on Aquia Creek near where it meets the Potomac River. It's about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., roughly 70 minutes by car without traffic. The exact address is shared after you book.
How many people does it sleep?
Up to 14 overnight guests in 7 private bedrooms: 2 king, 4 queen, 1 double.
Can we swim in the winter?
Yes. The heated pool and hot tub are indoors in the pool house, so you can use them all year. There's a sauna too.
Can we host a wedding or a party there?
No. Parties and events aren't allowed under the house rules. Guests can stay here for nearby celebrations, such as weddings at Potomac Point Winery, about 12 minutes away by car.
How do I book?
Pick your dates on Airbnb (opens in a new tab) or VRBO (opens in a new tab). Both show the full price with all fees included before you pay. Prices change by date.
Bring everyone together on the water
Pick your dates on Airbnb or VRBO. Both show the full price with all fees included before you book.